Multi-stable composites application concept for morphing aircraft

The need for aircraft that possess the ability to adapt themselves to achieve multi-objective mission roles is prompting designers towards the realization of "morphing" aircraft. Conventional designs for multi-role aircraft result in the use of advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. Often the result leads to both significant weight and cost penalties. The properties of bi-stable composite seem to suggest a solution for this problem because of their ability to have more than a single geometric configuration and also for the need to only supply energy to affect the snap-through from one equilibrium state to the other one.